Read More

"I shoot with my right foot so it has a deeper meaning n still unfinished."

Raheem Sterling's Instagram story defending his new tattoo

Gary Lineker has led the criticism of The Sun for the story, saying: "Unique to this country to attempt to destroy our players morale before a major tournament. It’s weird, unpatriotic and sad."

Commenting on a tweet that highlighted 16 other negative stories the national press has run on Sterling, the City star added: "He’s a terrific footballer with a brilliant work ethic. This persecution is disgusting."

He also retweeted a message from journalist Leigh Curtis, who writes for our sister website Nottinghamshire Live.

Read More

The tweet said: "I'm on the side of a 23-year-old man who donated to the victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster, donates to schools in Jamaica, does fine community work and uses his wealth to look after his mum."

Hundreds of social media users have criticised the story, with many questioning why Sterling has been picked out again for criticism.

Melissa Reddy said: "Raheem Sterling is a phenomenal individual. The amount of utter rubbish he continuously rises above would floor most. There's the descriptions like 'footie Idiot,' the relentless targeting of his normalcy - shopping, eating - and his family too. He is 23. Just leave him be."